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JOBURG SOUTH • ALBERTON • BEDFORDVIEW<br />

•<br />

GREENSTONE • MODDERFONTEIN<br />

Uncover the<br />

best kept<br />

Italian secret<br />

A refreshing look<br />

at alternative<br />

decor trends<br />

WIN!<br />

A rosy fragrance<br />

from Lacoste<br />

LIFE IS A PARTY<br />

Celebrate sunny days with sweet treats<br />

SHOPPING, PEOPLE AND LIFESTYLE IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD<br />

OCTOBER 20<strong>24</strong><br />

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GIS1004_002_42255997.indd 2 20<strong>24</strong>/09/18 09:29:06


GET IT<br />

Editorial<br />

Instagram: @getitjoburgsoutheast<br />

Facebook: @getitjoburgsoutheast<br />

Website: getitmagazine.co.za/joburg-south<br />

Pinterest: Get It<br />

National Group Editor and National Sales<br />

Kym Argo<br />

kyma@caxton.co.za<br />

Facebook and Instagram:<br />

Get It National Magazines<br />

Website: getitmagazine.co.za<br />

Editor Carina van der Walt<br />

albertongetit1@caxton.co.za<br />

083 411 7146<br />

Sub-editor Riaan Engelbrecht<br />

Contributors Alice Coetzee<br />

Workflow & Studio Manager Megan Brett<br />

Layout Artist<br />

Shanet Moodley<br />

Design Studio<br />

JP Du Preez<br />

Mojalefa Nthutang<br />

Sales Manager<br />

Roxanne Cooper 072 821 0910<br />

roxannec@caxton.co.za<br />

Distribution<br />

12 000 copies monthly<br />

Get It JHB <strong>South</strong><strong>East</strong> is distributed free<br />

of charge. For a full list contact<br />

charmaine@caxton.co.za<br />

Competition rules<br />

The judges’ decision is final. Prizes cannot be<br />

transferred or redeemed for cash. Competitions<br />

are not open to the sponsors or Caxton<br />

employees or their families. Get It Magazine<br />

reserves the right to publish the names of<br />

winners, who will be contacted telephonically<br />

and need to collect their prizes from Caxton<br />

Joburg <strong>South</strong><strong>East</strong> branch within 10 days or<br />

they will be forfeited. Prizewinners names are<br />

published on our Facebook page monthly.<br />

contents<br />

WHY DON’T YOU<br />

4 Lace up for the SPAR Women’s Challenge Jozi or simply pitch up<br />

and support one of many deserving causes this month<br />

6 Opt for some me-time and enjoy some of the best reads out there<br />

WISH LIST<br />

8 From candles to a recipe book, organic wine and comfy sandals (all natural<br />

of course), we give you plenty of reason to celebrate your garden<br />

SOCIALS<br />

10 Good music, great food and tasty gins at the <strong>East</strong> Rand Gin Festival<br />

11 A spectacular affair of fashion, creativity and heart at fashion<br />

show for children with cancer<br />

PEOPLE<br />

12 Tucked away in Modderfontein, we’ve discovered Buonissimo! and chat<br />

to the partners about their almost 200 year legacy<br />

FASHION AND BEAUTY<br />

14 Summer is looking pretty good with these must haves<br />

16 Find the right frame for your face shape<br />

FOOD<br />

18 Young chef Matt Labuschagne spills the beans on living<br />

and working abroad<br />

20 Chef Mynhart Joubert shares three of the cake recipes closest to his heart<br />

DECOR<br />

<strong>24</strong> Something fun and playful - just what you need to express<br />

your individuality!<br />

GARDENING<br />

26 It is all about colourful blooms and sunny days<br />

TRAVEL<br />

30 A visit to Thailand on your bucket list? Now is the time to<br />

spread your wings!<br />

31 Travel tips for those considering to go it solo<br />

32 Thanda Safari may be in the middle of nowhere but wait until<br />

you see what’s on offer!<br />

WIN<br />

28 R8000 worth of paint from Prominent Paints<br />

34 A rosy fragrance from Lacoste could be yours<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

COVER<br />

Photographed by - Afterglow Photography<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 3<br />

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A hot date!<br />

Great events to support worthy causes lined up for you!<br />

06<br />

If you haven’t already, make sure to<br />

mark your calendar for the SPAR Women’s<br />

Challenge Jozi. It’s going to be a<br />

day filled with empowerment, camaraderie,<br />

and loads of fun. This year’s event<br />

features a 5km Fun Run and a 10km<br />

walk or run, perfect for all fitness levels.<br />

The theme #ChooseYou focuses on<br />

self-empowerment, self-care, and inspiring<br />

others. This theme encourages<br />

every participant to prioritise their own<br />

well-being, chase their dreams, and<br />

uplift the women around them. From<br />

8am at Marks Park Sports Club. R160<br />

per person from sparwomensjozi.co.za<br />

Org Meyer Voortrekkers are once<br />

05 again at the forefront of painting<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober pink - with a twist that is. With<br />

this, the Voortrekkers are throwing out<br />

the challenge to all men to join in their<br />

Paint it Pink Challenge. Are you man<br />

enough to paint a pink ribbon on your<br />

nails? Why not sign up on Org Meyer<br />

Voortrekkers and challenge your friends<br />

to do it with you? The challenge which<br />

runs through <strong>Oct</strong>ober challenges<br />

men and women to paint their nails<br />

pink. Take part and dare others to join.<br />

Details: admin@orgmeyer.co.za<br />

The Alberton SPCA receives an average of 200 animals each month, yet it<br />

17 faces severe limitations in space and resources, with only 58 dog kennels<br />

and 11 cat kennels available. The growing demand for their services has put<br />

immense pressure on the organisation, highlighting the urgent need for more<br />

kennels and upgraded facilities. Come show your support during Alberton<br />

SPCA’s fundraising golf day. The Alberton SPCA will be hosting their Build-a-<br />

Kennel Golf Day on <strong>Oct</strong>ober 17 at Reading Country Club. The format of the<br />

golf day is a Betterball Stableford with a shotgun start at 11am. Cost is R600 per<br />

player which excludes golf cart but includes green fees, R50 halfway voucher,<br />

dinner and loads of prizes. Hole sponsorships range from R2 000 to R5 000.<br />

Enter now and help the SPCA to help animals in need. Details: Marietjie on 082<br />

337 5713 or email samcth60@gmail.com, alternatively, or Lauren on 082 339 6330 or<br />

via email at fundraising@spcaalberton.org.za<br />

Diagnostic Radiological Services Inc. is hosting a Breast Cancer Run<br />

18 and Walk Awareness Campaign on <strong>Oct</strong>ober 19. The goal of the breast<br />

cancer awareness movement is to dispel the stigma associated with breast<br />

cancer symptoms and treatments while raising public awareness of the disease.<br />

The event will take place at Rietvlei Zoo Farm, 101 Swartkoppies Road, Alberton,<br />

from 10am. Tickets for adults cost R100, R80 for children between three to 18<br />

years and free for kids under two years. Funds will be donated to Siyabonga<br />

Children’s Home and Door of Hope. Details: Cloudine Moss on 011 869 4530 or<br />

cloudinem@radiologysa.co.za.<br />

You are invited to Laerskool Orion’s <strong>Oct</strong>ober Festival to celebrate the<br />

school’s 20th birthday. Festivities will take place on the school grounds, Toinette<br />

Street, Alberton on <strong>Oct</strong>ober 25. The school extends a special invitation to alumni.<br />

With a great line-up of artists this promises to be the reunion of all reunions.<br />

Piesangskille will make an appearance as the main artists for the day. Tickets<br />

are available at R250 for adults, R150 for high school learners and R50 for<br />

primary school learners. A cooler box fee of R100 will be payable at the gates.<br />

Details: Tixsa<br />

25<br />

4 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

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12<br />

The countdown is on for the Joburg<br />

run of multiple award-winning My<br />

Name Is Lucy Barton. Following its<br />

premiere at the Hilton Arts Festival to<br />

rapturous responses and standing ovations,<br />

My Name Is Lucy Barton will be<br />

heading to Joburg for a limited season<br />

at Theatre on the Square from <strong>Oct</strong>ober<br />

9 to 27. Presented by How Now Brown<br />

Cow, the multiple award-winning<br />

My Name Is Lucy Barton is written<br />

by Elizabeth Strout and adapted by<br />

Rona Munro. It is the story of a writer<br />

reckoning with the legacy of a scarred<br />

family life who is coming to terms with<br />

the cost of her childhood and the rewards<br />

of her art. Longlisted for the Man<br />

Booker Prize 2016, the Baileys Women’s<br />

Prize for Fiction 2016 and a #1 New York<br />

Times bestseller, Pulitzer prize winner<br />

Elizabeth Strout shows the most tender<br />

relationship of all – the one between a<br />

mother and daughter. My Name Is Lucy<br />

Barton has been adapted for the stage<br />

as a one woman show by acclaimed<br />

TV, film and theatre writer Rona Munro<br />

(winner of the Evening Standard Award,<br />

NOOK Award and the Writers’ Guild<br />

of Great Britain Award). It opened at<br />

The Bridge Theatre in London in 2018<br />

starring Laura Linney who reprised her<br />

role on Broadway in 2020. My Name is<br />

Lucy Barton is a story for anyone who<br />

has questioned how family defines<br />

oneself. It is a powerful narrative of<br />

hope and triumph of a woman who<br />

finds her truth and reclaims her story.<br />

Performances are Tuesdays to Fridays at<br />

7.30pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 7.30pm<br />

and Sundays at 3pm. Not suggested for<br />

U12s. Details: Computicket.<br />

Join <strong>South</strong> Africa United Against Cancer (SAUAC) for the Wellness Walk<br />

Against Cancer 20<strong>24</strong>. SAUAC is a non-profit organisation based in the south<br />

of Johannesburg. It endeavours to bring in a paradigm change in the approach<br />

towards prevention of cancer by developing new communication and advocacy<br />

methods, and generating new knowledge on cancers through appropriate<br />

awareness. Not only is this a fundraiser but also a walk to promote cancer<br />

awareness and provide education regarding community resources, while<br />

acknowledging those who have<br />

lost loved ones to different types<br />

of cancer. The walk will take place<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 27 at Rietvlei Zoo farm,<br />

101 Swartkoppies Road, Alberton.<br />

The event will start at 8am. Don’t<br />

miss this opportunity to be part<br />

of a meaningful event that brings<br />

people together for a common<br />

cause. Let’s walk, support, and<br />

27<br />

inspire each other in the fight<br />

against cancer. Details: Contact<br />

069 556 7058 or email events@sauac.<br />

org or Khethiwe.m@sauac.org<br />

This <strong>Oct</strong>ober you are invited to make a special visit to Stepping Stone Hospice<br />

& Care Services’ Charity Shop and show your support. The organisation is<br />

totally reliant upon the generosity of the community, public sector, fundraising,<br />

bequests, donations in lieu of flowers, patient accounts and the sale of<br />

second-hand clothing and goods. They treat everyone that qualifies despite<br />

their financial and social circumstances. The impact of donations to their charity<br />

shop and the sale of these items can never be underestimated as it makes up<br />

at least 60% of the shortfall on their annual budgeted income. Whether you<br />

donate your second-hand goods or buy from them, it all adds up and helps to<br />

keep the hospice’s doors open. The shop welcomes an array of items, including<br />

household furniture, general bric-a-brac, clothing, linen, appliances, crockery,<br />

cutlery, glassware, books, sporting equipment and more. The shop is open<br />

from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and from 8am to 2pm on Saturdays. Details:<br />

010 442 5201/5059.<br />

29<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 5<br />

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Book club<br />

A handful of the best books on the shelves this <strong>Oct</strong>ober<br />

Set in the 1970s in a summer camp<br />

in the Adirondack mountains, The<br />

God of the Woods is part mystery,<br />

part family drama. When a girl goes<br />

missing from the camp, it’s tragic. But<br />

the fact that she’s gone missing in the<br />

same woods as her young brother<br />

did 14 years ago makes it somewhat<br />

suspicious. The boy was never found,<br />

the locals didn’t all agree with the<br />

person finally found guilty, stories are<br />

murky and characters not all terribly<br />

likeable. Liz Moore’s book is brilliantly<br />

thrilling, couldn’t put it down! The<br />

Borough Press • An all-female boarding<br />

house. A new glam and mysterious<br />

arrival. Unlikely friendships. Add one<br />

deadly secret and an unexpected<br />

shocking act of violence and you’ve<br />

a thrilling read ... The Brair Club by<br />

Kate Quinn - queen of historical<br />

fiction. Harper Collins<br />

6 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

‘The exact number of German women raped during the dying days of<br />

world war two is unknown, but it is possibly as high as 2 million (and<br />

many were raped multiple times).’ So writes Josie Ferguson, whose<br />

incredible debut novel The Silence In Between is dedicated to ‘those<br />

whose stories deserved to be heard’. A heart-breaking historical fiction<br />

story of family, fear, hope and the atrocities of war. The story opens on<br />

August 12, 1961. Lisette’s baby is ill, and she’s left him overnight in a<br />

hospital in the West, going home to her home in the <strong>East</strong> to get clean<br />

clothes and some rest. When she wakes, early on August 13, everything’s<br />

changed. Overnight, the border between <strong>East</strong> and West Berlin has been<br />

closed. And there’s no way she can get to her child. From this shattering<br />

start, the tale jumps to and from 1961, with Lisette’s teenage daughter,<br />

Elly, desperately trying to find a way to get her baby brother back and<br />

hopefully receive the love she longs for from her mother, and 1938, and<br />

what Lisette and her family endured through the war. It’s fiction based on<br />

fact … and the most far-fetched events which are seemingly unrealistic<br />

are all horribly true. As the author points out, the <strong>East</strong> West border was<br />

closed overnight. Rape victims offered themselves to a single officer so<br />

as to escape multiple rapes. Hitler Youth members really did hand out<br />

cyanide pills, and husbands were separated from wives, mothers from<br />

babies. It’s not an easy read, but it’s beautifully written, compelling, and<br />

will stay with you long, long after you turn the last page. Penguin<br />

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Home interiors influencer Elle’s<br />

life is the envy of thousands. And<br />

when her producers tell her about<br />

a dilapidated chateau in the French<br />

countryside, she’s delighted. Social<br />

media content of sprawling vineyards<br />

and tasteful interiors will surely take<br />

attention away from the cracks that<br />

are beginning to show in her life,<br />

and the risk of past secrets being<br />

revealed. After all, it’s what’s in front of<br />

the cameras that’s important. As she<br />

well knows, dark and dirty behindthe-scenes<br />

flaws can be filtered out.<br />

Amanda Cassidy’s The Perfect Place ...<br />

a first-class thriller. Canelo<br />

From John Boyne - author of The Boy<br />

in the Striped Pyjamas, , the second in<br />

his four interlinked novels named<br />

after the elements. The first, Water,<br />

looked at a wife’s complicity in her<br />

husband’s sexual abuse of minors.<br />

This second book, Earth, , is about two<br />

football players on trial. One accused<br />

of rape. The other an accessory ... who,<br />

as the trial unfolds, reflects on the<br />

events in his life that have led him to<br />

this moment. A beautifully written,<br />

haunting read. Penguin<br />

The Paris Muse is the story of Dora<br />

Maar and Pablo Picasso’s love affair<br />

... dubbed the greatest love affair in<br />

art history. It’s the story about Dora<br />

- artist, creative genius and muse<br />

- who inspired some of Picasso’s<br />

greatest work. And their love affair<br />

that destroyed her. Author Louisa<br />

Treger says the book is based on the<br />

biographical facts of Dora’s life, but is a<br />

work of fiction ... she’s taken liberty with<br />

facts, characterisations an particularly<br />

chronologies. Bloomsbury Publishing<br />

All books available at<br />

Exclusive Books<br />

The recently released 2023 La Motte<br />

Chardonnay’s nectarine and citrus<br />

fruit flavours are complemented<br />

by hints of cashew nut and freshly<br />

baked bread. A polished, medium-full<br />

wine with exceptional freshness and<br />

a lively length. Really food-friendly<br />

... superb with creamy cheese and<br />

egg dishes (think quiche and soufflé),<br />

subtle spice and curry dishes and<br />

for those splashing out, with caviar,<br />

snails, crayfish and mussels. R170<br />

from la-motte.com.<br />

Compiled by: KYM ARGO<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 7<br />

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Wish list<br />

Life’s a (garden) party this <strong>Oct</strong>ober<br />

Life’s a (garden) party this <strong>Oct</strong>ober<br />

Great recipes and a good cause. It’s<br />

all win win with the launch of Love<br />

Lives Here - Vegan Food from a Farm<br />

Sanctuary. . Compiled by Rima Geffen, it’s<br />

a collection of recipes from volunteers at<br />

Greyton Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit<br />

farm animal rescue centre, which provides<br />

a home for more than 250 animals.<br />

Volunteers from around the world - from<br />

Azerbaijan to Zambia - spend time at the<br />

sanctuary to help with the animals’ care.<br />

Every evening, the visiting and resident<br />

caregivers take turns to cook a shared meal<br />

... and so this carefully curated selection of<br />

volunteers’ favourite recipes was born. R350,<br />

with a percentage of the profits going to<br />

the sanctuary. Rockhopper Books<br />

From seed to celebration!<br />

Garden Day is an annual day of<br />

celebration by <strong>South</strong> Africans in<br />

honour of our gardens and green<br />

spaces. It’s a day to show off our<br />

hard work and relish the joy gardens<br />

bring to our communities and lives.<br />

On Sunday, <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20 join in the<br />

green fun. Plant something. Wear a<br />

flower crown. Throw a garden party.<br />

It could be a lavish lunch on the lawn,<br />

platters on the patio, or tea for two<br />

under your fave tree. The Garden<br />

Day crew have plenty of materials to<br />

help you prepare for the day ... from<br />

posters to customisable invitations<br />

and guidelines to make your own<br />

flower crown ... visit the Toolkit tab<br />

on gardenday.co.za. On the day, share<br />

your garden party pics on social media<br />

#GardenDaySA.<br />

Key lime and Tuberose<br />

and Gardenia. A gorgeous<br />

floral collection from<br />

Sh’Zen. Cleansing gel with<br />

vanilla and ginger (R259),<br />

luxury soy massage candle<br />

(R349) and Sparkling Mist<br />

with neroli and Mandarin<br />

(R239), from shzen.co.za<br />

8 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

GIS1004_008_17593591.indd 8 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:32:34


Famer Angus organic wine<br />

Farmer Angus is Spier Wine<br />

Farm’s new flagship organic<br />

wine range ... a collection<br />

which is the fruit of a shared<br />

journey between the farm’s<br />

award winning winemaking<br />

team and Angus McIntosh,<br />

a passionate champion of<br />

regenerative agriculture who not only calls Spier his home<br />

but is also renowned for his commitment to ethically farmed<br />

meat, chicken, and pork. At the heart of these wines lies a<br />

profound respect for the soil and its role in nurturing healthy<br />

vines and exceptional grapes. Regenerative agriculture is his<br />

life’s work, Angus says, adding he believes all health stems from<br />

the soil. The range, made with grapes grown without synthetic<br />

herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, or fertilisers, has three limitedrelease<br />

wines. Farmer Angus Chenin Blanc - all butterscotch<br />

and apricots, followed by a palate of citrus and caramel, it<br />

pairs perfectly with prosciutto (R595); a vibrant, freshing rosé<br />

showcasing strawberry and vanilla on the nose, with strawberry<br />

and coriander on the palate (R495), and Farmer Angus Red<br />

Blend - a classic Stellenbosch Red Blend boasting a nose of<br />

blackberry and chocolate, complemented by a palate of vanilla<br />

and blackcurrant, brilliant with a grass-fed beef steak (R695). Love<br />

the labels, too ... Angus used the vine leaves he collected from<br />

the very vines that make these wines in the label design. His<br />

mother taught him this leaf-rubbing art form as a boy, he shares,<br />

saying it connects the wines right back to their origins among<br />

the vines. Buy online from spier.co.za<br />

Let’s keep things real. Sustainable sandals for<br />

Summer. Made from recycled materials, these<br />

sandals are vegan, colourfast, and designed<br />

to last. As they would be, since at the heart of<br />

Nomadic State of Mind is a commitment to<br />

preserving both the planet and the people who<br />

call it home. The company’s journey began in<br />

a 1969 VW van, which embodied the nomadic<br />

state of mind, a concept that still resonates today<br />

– whether you’re walking, driving, exploring<br />

the web, or venturing into new territories. Get<br />

these original six strap light weight, adjustable,<br />

super comfortable JC rope sandals for R1865 on<br />

nomadicstateofmind.za.com<br />

Compiled by: Kym Argo<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 9<br />

GIS1004_008_17593591.indd 9 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:32:42


Set the mood<br />

for Spring<br />

Ekurhuleni residents came out in droves to<br />

support the <strong>East</strong> Rand Gin Festival at Emperors<br />

Palace’s Red Roman Shed. Visitors enjoyed<br />

the live entertainment and some of the tasty<br />

refreshments on offer, which included a wide<br />

variety of food, gin, brandy, wine, rum, ciders,<br />

cocktails and craft beers. Held for the third time<br />

at the Palace of Dreams, festival-goers were spoilt<br />

for choice with numerous stands to visit. Festivalgoers<br />

were also treated to performances by Easy<br />

Freak, Leo Sonskyn, Georgetown, Lee Cole, The<br />

Dookies, The Hound Dogs, with legendary SA<br />

band Watershed closing out the day.<br />

Lerato Busa and<br />

Naledi Dube<br />

Cortni Jordaan and<br />

Madelaine Dick<br />

Donald Rowe and Theresa Thiele<br />

Dionne and Paul Dyer<br />

Craig Hinds<br />

Marius and Carin Schlebusch and<br />

Charmain and Charl Slabbert<br />

Bronwyn Macfarlane and<br />

Sylvia Vermaak<br />

Dina, Lee, Scott, Aby and Jade<br />

Danielle, Bronwyn, Janine,<br />

Audrey and Claudette<br />

10 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

GIS1004_010_16712076.indd 10 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:33:27


Amiee Wharam and<br />

Savannah Whiting<br />

Christél Rosslee-Venter and<br />

Reutia Human<br />

Madison Waldeck<br />

and Tayla Alfonso<br />

Glam it up for<br />

the little ones<br />

The sun came out to play in Alberton during the Sunset Gala<br />

fashion show and the ladies feasted their eyes on stunning<br />

fashion during the charity event hosted in aid of Stepping Stone<br />

Hospice & Care Service. Hosted by Alberton Women’s Club, the<br />

spectacular occasion featured Nadia May Bridal Couture and<br />

Carien Couture, modelled by Figures Models Alberton. Proceeds<br />

from the event were presented to Stepping Stone Hospice & Care<br />

Services’ children’s unit, the Martelise Meaker Children’s In-Patient<br />

Unit, which recently opened its doors at 12 Glen Albyn Street in<br />

Raceview. Mrs Africa Classic 2019, Laurette Marais, also took to the<br />

stage to present an inspirational talk.<br />

Jean and Santie Wharam<br />

Landi and Ciska<br />

Bezuidenhout<br />

Back: Omphile<br />

Mkhize, Felicity<br />

Macandza,<br />

Londiwe Dlamini<br />

and Skyler Beukes.<br />

Front: Anesipho<br />

Romorumo<br />

Back: Vinette Otto, Brenda van Zyl, Bets Ellis and<br />

Hendrien Minnie. Front: Hester Barnard and Elize Muller<br />

Elanza de Villiers, Tersia Burger<br />

and Nicolien Venter<br />

Kaylee Boshoff<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 11<br />

GIS1004_011_20716200.indd 11 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:34:22


A famiglia<br />

affair<br />

When something is rooted so deep in history, and proudly<br />

carries a legacy just short of 200 years, it sure is no easy<br />

task to do justice to the tale as it unfolds. It is best then to<br />

let the story speak for itself…<br />

Based in the Flamingo Shopping Centre, Modderfontein, near a beautiful dam,<br />

you’ll find Buonissimo! - a small Italian restaurant which, for many years, has been<br />

one of the best kept secrets of the suburb. However, with the area growing, so is<br />

the restaurant and for many it has become a household name when you are looking<br />

for authentic Italian food.<br />

The recipes are steeped in heritage and the gnocchi, ravioli, panzerotti, lasagna and<br />

tortelli are all handmade.<br />

The pizza, well, some say it is the best in Joburg.<br />

Radici profonde (Deep roots)<br />

Hanging on the wall at Buonissimo! is<br />

their first restaurant licence issued to<br />

their family, certified in Piacenza and<br />

dated 1859, just short of 200 years ago.<br />

Two generations in Italy and two in<br />

<strong>South</strong> Africa.<br />

The Schiavi family’s osteria in Emilia-Romagna’s<br />

hills is traceable back to the<br />

early 1500s when it was a horse carriage<br />

exchange up until the early 1900s.<br />

Now, let your imagination flow and<br />

take your mind back to the old Piacenza-Genova<br />

road. Imagine some local<br />

wood harvesting labourers and postal<br />

staff enjoying traditional rustic cuisine,<br />

homemade bread, cheese and wine.<br />

With this in mind you will realise that<br />

no matter which roads you travel, you<br />

will always come across somebody that<br />

will be in your life – sometimes for a<br />

season, and sometimes for a very long<br />

time and for a very good reason. And,<br />

more often than not, the best times<br />

shared with the people in your life<br />

involve good food.<br />

The lives of Giorgia Chiappini and<br />

Daniele Schiavi intersected in 1986<br />

in Salsomaggiore, Parma where both<br />

were attending hotel school.<br />

Coming from families with varied backgrounds<br />

in catering, from London to<br />

Text: CARINA VAN DER WALT. Photo: Alex Schiavi<br />

12 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

GIS1004_012_38988389.indd 12 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 11:04:33


Johannesburg, it’s no surprise that the first Ristopub opening in Piacenza, in 1997,<br />

was by the newly married couple.<br />

In the early 2000s they branched out to <strong>South</strong> Africa where the Chiappini family’s<br />

famous Venezia Ristorante has been successfully trading since the mid-80s. Giorgia’s<br />

parents, Giorgio and Ivana were emigrants from the town Fidenza, Parma.<br />

Long live Nonna Ivana’s legacy<br />

Ivana is a loving wife and the mother of Corrado and Giorgia. She is also a proud<br />

chef and the beating heart of Venezia Ristorante Johannesburg for over two decades.<br />

She is described as humble, ingenious with endless knowledge and creativity. Her<br />

meticulous, respectful and strict adherence to traditions definitely is the propelling<br />

force behind the great success of the group’s iconic restaurants. Invana’s legacy will,<br />

and is living on in that of her descendants.<br />

Giorgia and Daniele’s first <strong>South</strong> African restaurant, Tiramisu, founded in 2002 in<br />

Modderfontein, serves a balanced mix of traditional pasta and pizza romana. It is<br />

a great success among the residents and the strong foundations of Buonissimo!<br />

which opened in 2011 with the participation of the whole family, including Nonna<br />

Olga and sons Alex and Cristiano.<br />

Buonissimo! is a thriving establishment pulsing with authenticity, maintained by<br />

the famiglia and driven by warm and sincere hospitality of their new partner, Shannon<br />

Meager.<br />

Fast forward to 20<strong>24</strong><br />

The restaurant industry and food is in Daniele and Giorga’s blood.<br />

‘It’s an amazing thing being able to nourish people. Good quality food, shared<br />

at the table is fulfilling in more than just a physical sense. It is human at the most<br />

fundamental level,’ explained Daniele.<br />

‘Nonna Olga’s biscotti has been a staple for many years, served with every coffee.<br />

My aunt’s recipe for our famous tiramisu has stood the test of time and our<br />

handmade ravioli, panzerotti, tortelli are all generational recipes passed down from<br />

Nonna Ivana. The list goes on,’ said Daniele.<br />

Looking back over the history that speaks of their success, one can’t but wonder<br />

what it is that makes a restaurant work.<br />

‘Sincerity and consistency. We try our best to give the utmost care to every plate<br />

served and our staff in the kitchen have been with us for many years, some since<br />

the Tiramisu days in 2002. This is unheard of but gives us incredibly consistent<br />

product and longevity.’<br />

When asked why they opt for a smaller establishment the answer came without<br />

hesitation.<br />

‘Soul. Simple as that. This is not a faceless business or establishment. It’s our dining<br />

room and we don’t serve customers, we serve guests.’<br />

What is next in line?<br />

‘Small things that may turn out big … providing nourishment to more people.<br />

Slow food served fast.<br />

A working partnership<br />

Daniele and Shannon have been friends for the best part of a decade, and, ‘it felt<br />

like a natural fit, people got us confused for a long time, often mistaking us for<br />

each other or thinking we were brothers. Our strengths complement each others,’<br />

Daniele said.<br />

Shannon has 21 years’ experience in operations for a multistore group, consulting,<br />

working abroad and much more.<br />

‘When I began my first stint in Johannesburg, opening a store in Waterfall, Daniele<br />

and I became mates pretty much at a Ferrari exhibition at Kyalami racetrack.<br />

‘I kind of became disillusioned with the restaurant space on a corporate level. I<br />

missed the intrapersonal stuff that I originally chose the industry for. Our partnership<br />

was a full circle moment for me. We toyed with the idea of partnering up for a<br />

while. I think having my baby girl was the catalyst; becoming a family man and not<br />

travelling project to project was a big consideration.’<br />

‘I love the human aspect. Breaking bread and sharing a meal and conversation is so<br />

necessary. We are social creatures and social eaters and we need to connect.<br />

Embedded in the community<br />

Shannon said, ‘We consider ourselves an epicentre for the community, our guests<br />

all know each other and Dan and<br />

Giorgia have seen children grow up<br />

here. We know most of our guests by<br />

name and they know our staff. It’s an<br />

incredibly humbling thing to have such<br />

support.<br />

‘We get involved as best we can with<br />

the schools, golf days and charity<br />

initiatives. I currently live across the<br />

road and the Schiavi family’s sons, Alex<br />

and Cristiano grow up here, working<br />

in the restaurant on the weekends. We<br />

are not trying to syphon money out<br />

of the community we are part of it.<br />

Our carpenter, bookkeeper, plumber,<br />

insurers, electrician, signage guy are all<br />

locals and guests. The kids that answer<br />

the phones for deliveries are children of<br />

guests. We participate.’<br />

OFF THE CUFF:<br />

To make a partnership work, some<br />

things must be agreed upon (or not it<br />

would seem).<br />

We ask Daniele and Shannon a<br />

couple of questions to see what they<br />

agree on or agree to disagree on.<br />

• Your favourite dish<br />

Dan: Fritto Misto<br />

Shan: Panzerotti<br />

• The best time to serve dinner<br />

Dan: 8.30pm<br />

Shan: When you’re hungry<br />

• What’s a family get together like<br />

Dan: Noisy and messy<br />

Shan: Festive with a game of cards<br />

• What do you always have in your<br />

fridge / freezer<br />

Dan: Peperonata/Limoncello<br />

Shan: Fresh fruit<br />

• *If you had to change the menu,<br />

what would be added / taken away<br />

Dan: Carbonara added, Alfredo off<br />

Shan: Amatriciana added, America<br />

pizza off (but kids love it)<br />

• Who is the best chef in your opinion<br />

Dan: Marco Pierre White<br />

Shan: Jamie Oliver, not purely as a<br />

chef but as an entrepreneur and<br />

philanthropist<br />

• If you had to serve five well-known<br />

people a meal, who would that be<br />

and what would you serve?<br />

Dan: Five Nonnas, ravioli in brodo.<br />

Shan: Siya Kolisi, Bertus Basson, David<br />

Higgs, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen,<br />

Wandile Mabaso. A national hero<br />

and four great SA chefs. The entire<br />

menu, to get incredible feedback.<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 13<br />

GIS1004_012_38988389.indd 13 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 11:04:43


Rosy hues<br />

Summer’s looking<br />

jolly pretty!<br />

Bramley Pink<br />

Blossom Tissue Oil,<br />

R29.99 from Clicks,<br />

Dis-Chem, Checkers,<br />

SPAR and PEP<br />

Morlage and Yorke<br />

Apothecary Wild<br />

Rose & Sandalwood<br />

nourishing hand and<br />

nail cream - R69.95 from<br />

morlageandyorke.co.za<br />

Diego dalla Palma Professional Body Cracker,<br />

R495 from orleanscosmetics.co.za<br />

New Summer<br />

Birkenstocks ... Arizona<br />

Birko-Flor Embossed<br />

Purple Fog. R2399,<br />

available from<br />

early November.<br />

Details: bashafrica.com<br />

Compiled by: KYM ARGO<br />

Ruched midi dress with slim<br />

silhouette, fully lined with<br />

internal corset detailing, - R2999<br />

from Witchery at Woolworths.<br />

14 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

GIS1004_014_17619468.indd 14 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:36:10


Sh’zen White Jasmin<br />

Facial Essence, R539<br />

from shzen.co.za<br />

EarthSap Wild Rose & Lavender<br />

Bath Salts, R68 from Wellness<br />

Warehouse, selected SPAR stores<br />

& health shops nationwide and<br />

faithful-to-nature.co.za<br />

Bye bye packaging waste. Just launched ... Woolworth<br />

WBeauty refillable make-up range, in eyeshadows,<br />

bronzers, powdered blushers, pressed powders and<br />

shimmer bricks, packaged recyclable in card boxes<br />

and paper sleeves. In store or from woolworths.co.za.<br />

SOiL Citrus Scented Certified Organic Shea Butter<br />

(in elegant new packaging), R135 from soil.co.za<br />

M&Y Apothecary Wild Rose<br />

and Sandalwood hand<br />

wash - R99.95 from<br />

morlageandyorke.co.za<br />

NUXE Very Rose<br />

Soothing Shower<br />

Gel, R750 from select<br />

Woolworths, Truworths<br />

& Foschini stores, and<br />

orleanscosmetics.co.za<br />

Pink Adriana heel slingbacks with twist details, R2299,<br />

and soft Romy Hobo bag with twisted handle, R1299,<br />

both from Witchery at Woolworths<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 15<br />

GIS1004_014_17619468.indd 15 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:36:25


FRAME RIGHT!<br />

Choosing the right eyewear for your face shape<br />

Choosing the right eyewear, spectacles, or sunglasses can do more than<br />

correct your vision or shield your eyes from the sun. They can enhance your<br />

overall look and complement your features. However, with so many styles<br />

available, how do you find the perfect pair for your face shape? Wesley<br />

Language from Execuspecs shares some tips and considerations to help you<br />

make the right choice when it comes to selecting eyewear.<br />

Face shapes<br />

Most importantly, you need to<br />

understand and identify the different<br />

face shapes. Each face shape has<br />

unique characteristics that can guide<br />

your eyewear selection. These are the<br />

most common categories, and the<br />

frames that suit them (or not!).<br />

Diamond<br />

Characteristics ... Narrow forehead and<br />

jawline with broad cheekbones.<br />

Best frames ... Oval or cat-eye frames<br />

balance the narrow chin and forehead<br />

while accentuating the cheekbones.<br />

Avoid ... Narrow frames that highlight<br />

the widest part of the face.<br />

Sunglasses ... Rimless, oval,<br />

and cat-eye.<br />

Round<br />

Characteristics ... Full cheeks, rounded<br />

chin, and equal width and length.<br />

Best frames ... Angular frames, such<br />

as rectangular or square, define and<br />

contrast the roundness.<br />

Avoid ... Round frames, as they can<br />

make your face appear fuller.<br />

Sunglasses ... Wayfarers<br />

16 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

GIS1004_016_16428459.indd 16 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:37:13


Square<br />

Characteristics ... Strong<br />

jawline, broad forehead,<br />

and square chin.<br />

Best frames ... Round or oval<br />

frames soften the angularity<br />

and provide a nice contrast.<br />

Avoid ... Angular and boxy<br />

frames that emphasise<br />

the squareness.<br />

Sunglasses ... Aviators.<br />

Oval<br />

Characteristics ... Balanced proportions<br />

with slightly wider cheekbones and<br />

a gently curving chin.<br />

Best frames ... Most frame shapes<br />

work well, but rectangular or<br />

walnut-shaped frames (not too deep<br />

or narrow) are particularly flattering.<br />

Avoid ... Frames that are too large as<br />

they can disrupt the natural balance<br />

of an oval face.<br />

Sunglasses ... Aviators.<br />

Heart<br />

Characteristics ...<br />

Wider forehead,<br />

high cheekbones,<br />

and a narrow chin.<br />

Best frames ..<br />

Bottom-heavy<br />

frames add width<br />

to the lower face.<br />

Rimless and lightcoloured<br />

frames can<br />

also be flattering.<br />

Avoid ...<br />

Top-heavy frames<br />

that emphasise<br />

the upper part of<br />

the face.<br />

Sunglasses ...<br />

Cat-eye, round,<br />

and Aviators.<br />

More tips ...<br />

Consider proportion Ensure the frames are proportionate<br />

to your face size. Oversized frames can overwhelm a small<br />

face, while small frames can look lost on a larger face.<br />

Bridge fit The bridge of the spectacles should fit<br />

comfortably on your nose without pinching or sliding.<br />

Colour and material Choose colours and materials that<br />

complement your skin tone and personal style. Tortoiseshell,<br />

black, and metallic frames are versatile choices.<br />

Lifestyle and functionality Consider your lifestyle<br />

needs. For active wear, durable and lightweight materials<br />

are essential.<br />

Execuspecs - instore and online, have a great range of<br />

on-trend frames. Look out for their exclusive Baker range.<br />

Keeping eye health top of mind, they also have the latest<br />

optometric equipment, so have your eyes checked, too.<br />

Details: execuspecs.co.za<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 17<br />

GIS1004_016_16428459.indd 17 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:37:22


Young chef<br />

turns up the heat<br />

Born and raised in<br />

Benoni, 23-year old Matt<br />

Labuschagne enrolled at<br />

Capsicum Culinary Studio’s<br />

Boksburg campus in 2019,<br />

embarking on a three year<br />

advanced professional chef<br />

programme. He is now<br />

cooking up a storm and<br />

making a name for himself<br />

abroad.<br />

18 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

Most young graduate chefs attribute<br />

their love for cooking and baking to<br />

their mothers or grandmothers, citing<br />

a childhood brought up helping<br />

out in the kitchen or licking the last<br />

remains of cookie dough from the<br />

mixing bowl.<br />

For Matt though, it was his father Merlin<br />

who inspired him to embark on a<br />

culinary career.<br />

‘My dad loves cooking and was<br />

always the one preparing the meals<br />

on our family camping trips and at<br />

home. I remember one time he made<br />

a potjie in the middle of the desert in<br />

Namibia. Although it always looked<br />

quite relaxing for him to cook, I can<br />

see now how rewarding it was for<br />

him to feed us a delicious meal.<br />

‘My dad told me about Capsicum. It<br />

was quite close to where we lived so<br />

convenient to travel to. I went there<br />

to check it out and liked the staff who<br />

were welcoming and friendly.’<br />

And so his journey started and after<br />

just one year after enrolling, he found<br />

himself in Aspen, Colorado working at<br />

GIS1004_018_16486020.indd 18 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:38:49


the ski resort town’s renowned five-star, luxury hotel, The Little Nell.<br />

The journey begins<br />

‘My first industry placement was one of the best things to happen to me. I<br />

worked on the grill section in a crazy kitchen the size of a shoebox, cooking for<br />

600 to 800 people a day. In the beginning I was so anxious about the impending<br />

lunch service I could feel my heart thumping loudly in my chest as I made<br />

my way to work, already picturing the line of people around the block wanting<br />

to eat at the restaurant. But I knew that if I didn’t do a good job I would get<br />

reassigned to banqueting and have to brunoise (finely dice) shallots for the rest<br />

of the day.<br />

‘When Covid struck I returned home and, like everyone else, sat at home waiting<br />

for lockdown to end. When restrictions were lifted the hotel asked me to<br />

return, so I went back to The Little Nell and this time worked all the stations.<br />

‘They gave me a promotion and wanted me to stay, but I had to get back to<br />

Benoni because I still had two more years of culinary school, and my US visa<br />

was about to expire.’<br />

Dubai here Matt comes<br />

Following his return home in 2021, Matt completed the final two years of his<br />

course at Capsicum’s Pretoria campus. For his next placement he worked at<br />

a bakery in Germiston and then got a position at the acclaimed Embarc in<br />

Parkhurst.<br />

‘It was while I was there that I was contacted via LinkedIn, for a post at a restaurant<br />

called Riviera by Jean Imbert, one of the dining options at The Lana, which<br />

is Dubai’s first Dorchester Collection hotel.<br />

‘Voted Chef of the Year in 2019 by GQ magazine and considered one of the<br />

50 most influential French people in the world in the Vanity Fair rankings, chef<br />

Jean Imbert is a graduate of the Paul Bocuse School. He was also the iconic<br />

winner of the TV show Top Chef in 2012.’<br />

So what does his current position entail?<br />

‘There are two hot lines. One that looks after all the fish and meat dishes and<br />

the other that prepares the pasta orders. I am on the latter, which also involves<br />

dishes like the ratatouille tart which I really like for how technical it is to get<br />

right. The kitchen is small so each section preps everything for the dishes they<br />

make. I take care of the proteins, sauces, homemade pastas and all production<br />

on the station. I also do service twice a day for lunch and dinner and manage<br />

our inventory to ensure we have enough of everything and order whatever I<br />

need ahead of time.’<br />

What is a typical day for this young chef?<br />

‘It varies depending on the season. When we did the opening I was up at 7am,<br />

on the bus at 8:15am and at work by 9am, prepping for lunch. After lunch it was<br />

prepping for dinner, a short 20 to 30 minute break and then back for dinner<br />

service, finishing up around midnight.<br />

‘Currently it’s a lot less hectic because it’s low season, so I’m up at 8am and after<br />

a morning run or swim, I have breakfast (three eggs on a toasted sesame seed<br />

bagel, a bowl of yoghurt with granola, honey and frozen berries, washed down<br />

with a cup of coffee), then shower, dress and catch the 10:15 bus to work.<br />

‘I’ll collect my uniform from the laundry department, get changed then check<br />

to see if my orders were delivered and if there’s anything we need for the day<br />

ahead. I set up my station with all the equipment I need, switch everything on<br />

and go through my mise en place to see what I have to prep.<br />

‘I usually have to do small things before lunch, like zucchini rosettes for the ratatouille<br />

tart. Then I’ll do mise en place until lunch and when lunch starts I’ll do<br />

the service until it ends at around 3.30pm or 4:00pm, before starting my mise<br />

en place for dinner and finding out how many guests are expected.<br />

‘I’ll try and finish my prep before 6pm so I can take 30-minute breather before<br />

service starts at 6:30pm. When the dinner service ends we’ll break down and<br />

close and clean the kitchen and organise our mise en place list for the next day<br />

and check ordering again. I catch the bus home at 10.45pm or 11.45pm - depending<br />

on what time we finish – and get home to my girlfriend Gabriela and<br />

ask her how her day was,’ he said with a smile.<br />

It’s a demanding, intense job, so<br />

what does he do to relax on his<br />

days off?<br />

‘I work five or six days a week and on<br />

my days off I like to go to the beach<br />

or head out with Gabriela to Alserkal<br />

Avenue which is in the centre of<br />

Dubai and comprises of around 40<br />

warehouses, converted into galleries,<br />

dance studios, artisanal cafes and<br />

more.<br />

And where does this talented, ambitious<br />

young chef see himself in<br />

five years’ time?<br />

‘I’d like to be working as a sous chef in<br />

a Michelin star restaurant. Or maybe<br />

I’ll become an entrepreneur and open<br />

my own place,’ he laughs.<br />

We also asked Labuschagne<br />

a five fun questions:<br />

• Name five things we’d<br />

always find in your fridge?<br />

Sauerkraut, grass-fed beef,<br />

organic yoghurt with rhubarb<br />

(my favourite flavour),<br />

avocados and eggs.<br />

• What would be your last<br />

meal?<br />

A massive Wagyu Côte de<br />

Boeuf cooked on a charcoal<br />

grill.<br />

• Favourite celebrity chef<br />

and favourite cookbook?<br />

Chef - Alain Ducasse. Cookbook<br />

- Le Répertoire de<br />

sauces by Èric Trochon (shout<br />

out to Chef Etienne!)<br />

• Favourite kitchen tool?<br />

Mandolin.<br />

• If you had to cook dinner<br />

for five famous people, who<br />

would they be and what<br />

would you make them?<br />

Teddy Roosevelt, Hunter S.<br />

Thompson, Martin Luther<br />

King, Salvadore Dali and<br />

Marilyn Monroe and I’d make<br />

them a beef potjie like my<br />

Dad made us in the desert in<br />

Namibia!<br />

Text: GRANT BUSHBY. Photo: MATT LABUSCHAGNE<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 19<br />

GIS1004_018_16486020.indd 19 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:39:00


Sweetest cakes!<br />

Poppy Seed Cake<br />

20 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

GIS1004_020_17602387.indd 20 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:40:00


No garden party is complete without a sweet treat.<br />

To celebrate Garden Day on Sunday <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20,<br />

Chef Mynhardt Joubert shares three of the cakes<br />

recipes closest to his heart.<br />

Poppy seed cake<br />

‘We fell in love with this cake recipe from a very early age and it has featured<br />

at all kinds of festive occasions over the years in our family - my sister and I<br />

have adapted the recipe from the original, doubling all the ingredients to<br />

make for a sizable and deliciously moist cake. It is rich and filling and the<br />

ideal cake to present at birthdays or any occasion where the crowds have<br />

to be fed. Allow for at least a day to stand as the flavour and density of the<br />

cake only improves and gets so much better - if you can resist you will not<br />

regret it.’ Serves: 8 to 10<br />

Cake ingredients: 6 extra large eggs; 630g castor sugar; 250ml canola oil;<br />

500g double cream plain yogurt; 150g poppy seeds; 160g desiccated<br />

coconut; 350g self raising flour<br />

Icing: 100g butter, softened; 400g creme fraiche; 130g icing sugar; 10ml<br />

vanilla paste or extract; 400g good quality white chocolate, melted<br />

Method: Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Cream the eggs and sugar<br />

together until light and fluffy. Add the oil and yogurt and mix through. Add<br />

the poppy seeds, coconut and flour and mix thoroughly. Divide the batter<br />

in 2 x 28cm loose bottom cake pans.<br />

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.<br />

Spread the frosting in between each layer and stack the cakes spreading<br />

the last frosting on top. Garnish with fresh roses.<br />

The ultimate Carrot Cake<br />

Carrot, coconut, date and pineapple<br />

cake with beetroot frosting<br />

‘I have been infatuated by carrot cake all my<br />

life and it has been like the search for the<br />

holy grail for me - one birthday a cake was<br />

delivered to my home - no card or message<br />

attached - the most beautiful, moist,<br />

luxurious and delicious carrot cake that<br />

you have ever tasted. It haunted me up to<br />

the point where I set myself onto a course<br />

to perfect the carrot cake of my dreams -<br />

and here it is - laden with fruit, dates, nuts,<br />

pineapple and to boot a quirky beetroot<br />

flavoured icing - I love everything about<br />

this cake ... enjoy!’ Serves 8 to 10 people<br />

Cake ingredients: 400g brown sugar; 5<br />

extra large eggs; 10ml vanilla extract or<br />

paste; 375ml canola oil; 3 ripe bananas;<br />

500ml cake flour; 5ml baking powder;<br />

10ml bicarbonate of soda; 10ml ground<br />

cinnamon; 5ml salt; 750ml grated carrot;<br />

65g desiccated coconut; 100g almonds,<br />

chopped; 170g dates, chopped; 1 tin<br />

crushed pineapple, drained<br />

Frosting ingredients: 125g butter, softened;<br />

250g cream cheese; 500g icing sugar; 15ml<br />

beetroot powder or 5ml pink colouring;<br />

10ml vanilla extract or paste; 200g white<br />

chocolate, melted; 5ml rosewater<br />

Method: Preheat oven to 160 degrees<br />

Celsius. Place the sugar, eggs, vanilla, oil<br />

and bananas in a bowl and whisk with an<br />

electric beater until the banana is mashed<br />

and the sugar has dissolved.<br />

Sieve the flour, baking powder, bicarb, salt<br />

and cinnamon together and add to the<br />

wet ingredients. Whisk until combined and<br />

add the carrots, coconut, almonds, dates<br />

and pineapple and mix through. Divide the<br />

batter into 2 x 25cm prepared cake tins and<br />

bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick<br />

comes out clean. Remove from the cake<br />

tins and let cool properly before frosting.<br />

Frosting: Whip the butter and cream<br />

cheese together until pale and fluffy. Add<br />

the icing sugar, beetroot powder, vanilla<br />

and rosewater and whip. While the frosting<br />

is whipping, pour in the melted chocolate<br />

and let the machine run until the frosting<br />

has doubled in size. Divide the frosting<br />

onto the 2 cakes and spread evenly. Stack<br />

on top of each other and place in the<br />

fridge to set.<br />

Tips: You can garnish the cake with some<br />

crushed pistachio nuts and fresh purple<br />

Parisian figs if in season. The cake keeps<br />

a good week when stored in an airtight<br />

container and improves on standing.<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 21<br />

GIS1004_020_17602387.indd 21 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:40:13


Vanilla Peach Fuzz Ombre Cake<br />

This one requires a little effort ... but<br />

it’s guaranteed to impress your guests.<br />

Basic vanilla sponge ingredients: 225g<br />

butter; 180g caster sugar; 4 large eggs;<br />

1 Tbsp vanilla paste or vanilla essence;<br />

250g self-raising flour; 1 tsp baking<br />

powder optional; 1/2 tsp of salt; 100ml<br />

of full cream milk<br />

Method: Pre-heat oven to 160 degrees<br />

celsius. Grease three 18cm tins with<br />

butter and line with baking paper.<br />

Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl<br />

with a hand or stand mixer.<br />

Start adding the eggs one by one and<br />

whip until light and fluffy and add the<br />

vanilla. Sift the flour, baking powder<br />

and salt and fold gently into the batter<br />

with a wooden spoon or spatula<br />

making sure to keep the airiness of<br />

the batter. Pour in the milk and gently<br />

fold in until well combined.<br />

Bake for about 25 to 30 min until<br />

lightly golden brown and a tester<br />

skewer comes out clean. Let it cool.<br />

Butter cream icing ingredients: ½ cup<br />

unsalted butter, at room temperature;<br />

2 cups icing sugar, sifted; 2 tsp pure<br />

vanilla extract or paste; 2 Tbsp milk; 3<br />

drops food colouring<br />

Method: Whip the butter for at least 6<br />

to 8 minutes until it becomes a pale<br />

white colour - essential. Whip in the<br />

sugar for another 4 to 5 minutes then<br />

add the vanilla. While whipping slowly<br />

start adding the milk. Divide the<br />

frosting into three. Leaving one white<br />

and colouring the other two thirds<br />

with a few drops of peach colouring<br />

to attain the desired colour for the<br />

ombre effect.<br />

White chocolate cream cheese frosting<br />

ingredients: 250g of cream cheese;<br />

100g of crème fraîche; 200g of good<br />

quality white chocolate<br />

Method: Melt the chocolate in a<br />

double boiler until just soft taking<br />

care not to overheat. Whip the cream<br />

cheese and crème fraîche together<br />

and slowly start adding the melted<br />

chocolate. Spoon into a piping bag.<br />

Peach Compote Ingredients: 500g of<br />

fresh peaches sliced and chopped;<br />

100g of brown sugar; 1 tsp of<br />

corn starch<br />

Method: Place 250 g of the peaches<br />

Vanilla Peach Fuzz Ombre Cake<br />

and the sugar into a medium sized<br />

pot and bring to the boil. Let it<br />

simmer for 10 minutes. Remove and<br />

puree in a food processor or with a<br />

stick blender. Return the puree to the<br />

pot and add the remaining 250g of<br />

peaches to the pot gently warm the<br />

peaches then add the corn starch<br />

mixed with a little bit of water. Let<br />

it thicken, remove and let it cool<br />

down completely.<br />

Assembling the cake: Start by placing<br />

the first sponge onto your cake stand,<br />

pipe a third of the cream cheese<br />

frosting onto the sponge starting in<br />

the middle and working your way out<br />

making a ridge on the outer rim to<br />

contain the peach compote.<br />

Spoon a generous amount of the<br />

peach compote into the centre and<br />

repeat the first step with the second<br />

sponge. Place the third sponge on<br />

top and press down onto the cake to<br />

make sure that it is sturdy and in its<br />

correct place.<br />

Cover the cake with the white<br />

buttercream frosting with a pallet<br />

knife. Start with the darker cream<br />

cheese frosting and decorate the first<br />

bottom third of the cake, repeat with<br />

the second lighter coloured frosting<br />

for the second third of the cake.<br />

Using your pallet knife dipped into<br />

hot water start turning the cake and<br />

smoothing the layers into each other<br />

to create the ombre effect.<br />

22 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

GIS1004_022_17606779.indd 22 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:41:04


A few kitchen essentials ...<br />

Cod tartare with asparagus. Snaps schnapps. Gravlax two ways.<br />

And this fresh cucumber salad with nasturtiums. In Copenhagen Cult Recipes,<br />

Christine Rudolph and Susie Theodorou take you onto a journey to the<br />

heart of Copenhagen’s culinary traditions ... all very hygge ... shared tables,<br />

outside eating, simple produce like herring and salmon, pickles and<br />

mussels and rustic breads. Murdoch Books<br />

Probably the most delicious nut milk<br />

you’ll ever try ... they boast. And they’re<br />

not wrong! Giraf Macadamia Drink is<br />

the latest local milk alternative. Naturally<br />

diary free, and with no vegetable and<br />

seed oils, use in smoothies and baking<br />

... and since it froths up beautifully,<br />

to create creamy macadamia lattes<br />

and cappuccinos. It’s loaded with<br />

the goodness - macadamias are a<br />

superfood with healthy fats, essential<br />

nutrients, and antioxidants, so is a boost<br />

for your heart health, brain function,<br />

and blood circulation. There are<br />

three options ... Original,<br />

Macadamia with<br />

Oats, and<br />

Macadamia with<br />

Vanilla. You’ll<br />

find them at local<br />

supermarkets. Details:<br />

girafmacadamia.com<br />

In Love With Rome is a culinary love letter to the Eternal City.<br />

Recipes and stories compiled by Lisa Nieschlag and Lars Wentrup<br />

that just sing Summer. Frittata with ricotta and fresh herbs. Pistachio<br />

macaroons. Fried zucchine with a vinegar and mint marinade.<br />

Panzanella Italian bread salad and pasta al limone and this sharp lemon<br />

sorbet. Page after scrumptious page ... deliziosa! Hardie Grant Books<br />

We’re massive fans of HearthStone,<br />

a collection of frying pans, pots and skillets<br />

crafted from premium cast iron - a material<br />

celebrated for its durability, superior heat<br />

retention, and natural non-stick properties.<br />

With black, white and turquoise options,<br />

it’s now available online from<br />

hearthstonecookware.co.za<br />

Compiled by: KYM ARGO<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 23<br />

GIS1004_022_17606779.indd 23 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:41:27


Whimsical decor<br />

This playful style offers a refreshing, joyous alternative to minimalist decor trends<br />

Text: Yael Geffen, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty<br />

In a post-pandemic world, now<br />

facing increasing global instability<br />

and turmoil, people are yearning for<br />

more lightness and fun in their lives.<br />

The constant barrage of troubling<br />

news and a sense of uncertainty<br />

have created a collective need for<br />

moments of joy and escapism. Yael<br />

Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s<br />

International Realty, says that after a<br />

period of conformity and restraint,<br />

people are eager to express their<br />

individuality and creativity, and<br />

this desire for light-heartedness is<br />

reflected in various aspects of daily<br />

life, including home decor trends.<br />

One clear manifestation of this shift,<br />

she adds, is the growing popularity<br />

of whimsical decor. In stark contrast<br />

to the minimalist and often sombre<br />

designs that have dominated in<br />

recent years, whimsical decor offers<br />

a burst of colour, creativity, and<br />

playfulness. “People are turning to<br />

vibrant hues, eclectic patterns, and<br />

quirky accessories to infuse their living<br />

spaces with a sense of cheer and<br />

individuality. This trend isn’t just about<br />

aesthetics ... it’s a deliberate effort<br />

to create environments that foster<br />

happiness and relaxation.”<br />

This trend stands out for its<br />

playful and imaginative elements,<br />

providing a sense of escape and<br />

comfort. It’s all eclectic, imaginative,<br />

quirky ... bold colours, unexpected<br />

patterns, and a mix of vintage and<br />

contemporary elements.<br />

Yael shares her tips for implementing<br />

whimsical decor effectively.<br />

Choose a focal point Start with a<br />

piece that sets the tone. This could<br />

be a statement piece of furniture, a<br />

bold piece of artwork, a vibrant rug.<br />

It should be eye-catching and reflect<br />

the spirit you want to achieve.<br />

Be bold with colours Whimsical<br />

decor thrives on bold, vibrant colours,<br />

so don’t be afraid to mix and match<br />

hues. Consider using a bright palette,<br />

balanced with neutral tones to avoid<br />

overwhelming the space.<br />

<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

GIS1004_0<strong>24</strong>_16433014.indd <strong>24</strong> 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:42:14


Mix patterns and textures A<br />

variety of patterns and textures<br />

add depth and interest. Mix<br />

polka dots, stripes, florals and<br />

geometric designs, and plush<br />

fabrics with metallic finishes and<br />

wooden accents.<br />

Incorporate quirky accessories<br />

Look for accessories that tell a<br />

story or evoke a sense of fun. Think<br />

vintage toys, eclectic art pieces,<br />

fairy lights, and unusual planters.<br />

Furniture with character Select<br />

pieces that stand out for their<br />

design and personality ... a<br />

brightly coloured sofa, an antique<br />

armchair, or a coffee table with an<br />

interesting shape.<br />

Embrace nature Nature-inspired<br />

elements are often a key component of<br />

this look, and indoor plants, floral<br />

motifs, and nature-themed decorations<br />

can bring a fresh, organic feel to the<br />

space. Consider hanging planters, flower<br />

vases, or even a nature-themed mural.<br />

Create cosy nooks Designate small areas<br />

for reading, relaxing, or daydreaming. Fill<br />

these spaces with comfy seating, soft<br />

pillows, and elements like fairy lights or a<br />

dreamy canopy.<br />

Innovative lighting Think chandeliers<br />

with a twist, string lights, or lamps with<br />

fun shapes and colours. Lighting can<br />

create magical ambiances that transform<br />

and elevate the mood of a space.<br />

Whimsical<br />

decor.<br />

The antidote<br />

to austerity!<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 25<br />

GIS1004_0<strong>24</strong>_16433014.indd 25 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:42:29


Indoor plant of the month<br />

There is something so summery about Peperomia<br />

Watermelon. Its rounded leaves look as crisp and cool as<br />

mini-watermelons and plants stay rounded and compact,<br />

perfect for table tops, counters and office desks. Bright,<br />

indirect light is perfect for these plants. Water when the<br />

surface of the soil feels dry but don’t let the pots stand in<br />

water. Feed with a liquid fertiliser once a month in Summer<br />

to encourage new leaves. Details: lvgplant.co.za<br />

This is the month for chilli-heads to sow some heat.<br />

Capsicums germinate best in warm soil (minimum<br />

temperature 20C) and the varieties available from seed<br />

are mind boggling. For newbies in the chilli stakes, a good<br />

variety to start with is Hungarian Hot Wax - they won’t burn<br />

your mouth to smithereens, or the mild to hot Cubanelle,<br />

Chinese 5 Colour or Shishito green chilli pepper. Only the<br />

very daring should opt for Trinidad Scorpion or Carolina<br />

Reaper. The names are a warning!<br />

To grow: Sow seed into small 10cm pots to allow seedlings<br />

to grow into sturdy plants before being transplanted into<br />

a bigger pot or into the ground. Sow two to three plants<br />

per pot. Seeds will germinate within seven to 20 days<br />

(depending on variety) and the soil must be kept moist<br />

during germination. When the first true leaves appear and<br />

are big enough to handle transplant the seedlings into<br />

bigger pots or into the soil spaced 40cm apart.<br />

Chillies need full sun, well-drained soil and regular watering,<br />

especially when flowering so that they don’t drop their<br />

flowers (which means no fruit). Most chillies grow 50 to<br />

60cm tall and the fruit should be ready for harvest within<br />

120 to 160 days.<br />

Details: kirchoffs.co.za or rawliving.co.za<br />

26 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober garden tasks<br />

• Plant new roses, Summer annuals and perennials this month.<br />

Annuals that grow quickly from seed are alyssum, cosmos,<br />

lavatera, portulaca, California poppy, and nasturtium. They<br />

all do best in full sun. • Fertilise perennials with a granular<br />

fertiliser like Vigorosa 5:1:5 or 3:1:5, and annuals with a<br />

liquid fertiliser. Use either pink or blue hydrangea food for<br />

hydrangeas. • Mow lawns at least once a week, but if it is very<br />

hot and dry mow less frequently and set blades higher • Water<br />

regularly and spread a layer of mulch over beds to conserve<br />

water and keep the roots cool. • Keep flowering roses neat by<br />

cutting off dead blooms, fertilise with a rose fertiliser by the<br />

middle of <strong>Oct</strong>ober and water deeply during hot, dry weather.<br />

Control pests with an organic insecticide like Ludwig’s Insect<br />

Spray or Margaret Roberts Organic Insecticide.<br />

GIS1004_026_17583728.indd 26 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:43:18


BLOOMING HOT<br />

It’s time to sow some heat, keep watering your plants and watch your flowers bloom<br />

We’re planting …<br />

Zinnia Zesty because it<br />

displays huge, vibrantly coloured<br />

flowers throughout Summer into<br />

Autumn. The fully double blooms are<br />

reminiscent of traditional zinnias. These sunloving<br />

plants are neat and upright, growing<br />

up to 60cm tall, and will brighten borders<br />

and mixed plantings as well as looking good<br />

in containers. Pollinators love their flowers.<br />

Plant in soil that drains well, water regularly<br />

but don’t over-water and fertilise<br />

once a month during Summer.<br />

Details: ballstraathof.co.za<br />

Text: ALICE COETZEE<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 27<br />

GIS1004_026_17583728.indd 27 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:43:33


WIN<br />

Give your home a paint-over!<br />

This month we’re getting ready for Summer. And since<br />

Summer in <strong>South</strong> Africa is all about being outdoors,<br />

we’re going to get our home’s exterior in ship shape. We’ve<br />

discovered the new and incredible Neuklad Range from<br />

Prominent Paints ... specifically crafted to endure our harsh<br />

climate, this professional-grade paint offers exceptional quality and<br />

durability, making it the perfect choice for everyone from seasoned contractors to<br />

meticulous homeowners. Available in white, pastel tint base and clear tint base,<br />

this weather-resistant range includes Neuklad Alkali-Resistant Sealer, Cool Roof,<br />

Ultra Shield, and Earth. Details: prominentpaints.co.za<br />

To celebrate the launch, we’re giving one reader a fab prize,<br />

worth R8 000 ... a chance to choose their favourite paint<br />

colours from any of the Prominent Paint ranges. Imagine<br />

the possibilities for your home! Entering is a breeze. Just<br />

head over to @getitnationalmagazines on Instagram or<br />

Facebook, find our <strong>Oct</strong>ober Spoil post, and follow the<br />

prompts. Entries close <strong>Oct</strong>ober 25, and winner will be<br />

selected from entries across all Get It platforms.<br />

28 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

GIS1004_028_39203846.indd 28 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:44:33


GET IT DIRECTORY<br />

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GDS21004_029_43503645.indd 29 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:56:57


Spread your wings<br />

Ever wanted to explore the world with a place like<br />

Thailand on your bucket list? You can make the impossible<br />

possible!<br />

Surviving tough economic times<br />

usually means putting non-essential<br />

spending on hold, but just because<br />

you’re feeling the pinch doesn’t mean<br />

you have to ignore the call of your<br />

wanderlust.<br />

With some careful budgeting, pre-planning<br />

and a bit of flexibility, you can pull<br />

off that long-awaited international trip<br />

and let your rands take you all the way<br />

to the runway.<br />

Travelling on a budget is not impossible,<br />

but it does require a little bit more<br />

legwork than a usual trip.<br />

The key is planning, planning, planning.<br />

There are many moving parts to consider<br />

when preparing for an international<br />

trip.<br />

Hidden expenses beyond your control<br />

can add up quickly. This is why<br />

pre-planning how you’re going to meet<br />

the upfront expenses that are within<br />

your control is so important.<br />

Weighing in with these six tips on how<br />

to prep like a pro, even when money is<br />

tight, is Chaiwat Tamthai, director of the<br />

Tourism Authority of Thailand in Dubai<br />

for the Middle <strong>East</strong> and Africa.<br />

1. Be an early bird on your flight<br />

booking<br />

When it comes to booking flights to<br />

international destinations, the earlier<br />

you can book, the better. Flight prices<br />

escalate significantly in the months and<br />

weeks leading up to the actual travel<br />

date, so when you’re travelling on a<br />

budget, it’s best to be an early bird.<br />

Apart from sidestepping exorbitant<br />

flight prices, there are also a number<br />

of added benefits. By booking early,<br />

you’ll have the chance to book the best<br />

seats, whether that’s extra legroom or a<br />

coveted window seat. Booking early will<br />

also give you a date to work towards<br />

and more time to plan all the variables.<br />

2. Book your flights but be flexible<br />

Another secret that frequent travellers<br />

bank on is inputting a flexible date<br />

range when selecting flights, or letting<br />

your travel agent know that your travel<br />

date is flexible. This could work in your<br />

favour as flights leaving on weekdays<br />

and during off-peak hours are often<br />

cheaper than those on weekends.<br />

Even if you’re not willing to budge on<br />

your departure date, you could consider<br />

choosing a return flight that’s during<br />

an off-peak time or vice versa.<br />

3. Make your visit visa-free<br />

One of the biggest hidden costs of travelling<br />

internationally is the cost of a visa.<br />

Depending on the country you choose<br />

to visit, applying for a visa could cost up<br />

to R3000, which can make a significant<br />

dent in your budget. Thankfully, there<br />

are a few countries <strong>South</strong> Africans can<br />

visit without a visa, and Thailand is one<br />

of the most popular.<br />

“<strong>South</strong> African citizens can enter<br />

Thailand for up to 30 days visa-free for<br />

tourism purposes. All you need is your<br />

passport, which must be valid for a minimum<br />

of six months, and a return ticket,”<br />

said Tamthai.<br />

4. Connect with a travel agent<br />

It’s a misconception that booking<br />

everything yourself is always cheaper<br />

than working with a travel agent. In fact,<br />

the opposite may be true. Travel agents<br />

often offer package deals that include<br />

your departure and return flights,<br />

accommodation options and even<br />

certain activities, at a cheaper rate than<br />

booking everything separately. If possible,<br />

choose a travel agent that offers<br />

payment plans on their bookings, and<br />

use credit to free up some much-needed<br />

cash.<br />

5. Cash in on free attractions and<br />

activities<br />

The best way to travel on a budget is to<br />

avoid countries with expensive tourist<br />

traps and instead, opt for a country that<br />

offers a wide range of activities you can<br />

do for free or at a nominal fee. Typically,<br />

these kinds of countries are those that<br />

have beautiful natural scenery and environments<br />

that are perfect for outdoor<br />

activities like hiking, swimming, picnicking,<br />

nature walks and bird watching.<br />

As Tamthai explained: “When it comes<br />

to activities that are very affordable for<br />

<strong>South</strong> Africans, Thailand has so much to<br />

offer. You could explore the limestone<br />

cliffs and caves of Chiang Dao, visit the<br />

Grand Palace, spend some time at the<br />

Khao Yai National Park, pop in at the<br />

Bangkokian Museum or browse the<br />

sprawling night markets.<br />

These activities will give you a<br />

well-rounded experience that includes<br />

learning a bit about Thai history, discovering<br />

some of the country’s cultural<br />

landmarks, taking in the sights and<br />

sounds of the city, retreating into nature<br />

and bartering for some souvenirs,<br />

at very little cost.”<br />

6. Eat local - street food is a winner<br />

“Everyone loves sampling traditional<br />

cuisine when travelling, but dining<br />

out can come with a hefty price tag.<br />

Although eating at a restaurant – or<br />

two – may very well be a part of the<br />

travelling experience, you can save<br />

money by occasionally eating local<br />

street food. Not only does this give you<br />

a more authentic taste of the culture,<br />

but it can also help stretch your travel<br />

budget further,” said Tamthai.<br />

If you’re in a place like Thailand, street<br />

food is readily available and is relatively<br />

cheap compared to the food you’ll find<br />

at restaurants. If you want to mix up<br />

your experience of the local food and<br />

culture, you could visit one of Thailand’s<br />

many night markets, where vendors fry<br />

ready-to-eat dishes.<br />

Text: SUPPLIED. Photos: PEXELS<br />

30 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

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Going it alone<br />

Considering some alone time and looking at taking a solo<br />

holiday? These benefits may help you make up your mind.<br />

Sure, it might not be everyone’s idea of<br />

the perfect getaway, but ABTA’s Holiday<br />

Habits report reveals a definite shift in<br />

the solo direction. One in six people<br />

are now choosing to go on holiday by<br />

themselves.<br />

Once generally considered unacceptable<br />

for women and uncommon for<br />

men, modern society has evolved to<br />

embrace a diverse range of individual<br />

lifestyles and personal choices.<br />

Solo tourism has become a symbol<br />

of independence, whether it’s a local<br />

escape or an international adventure.<br />

It empowers individuals, especially<br />

women, to explore new places and<br />

enjoy different experiences unhindered<br />

by concerns of social judgment.<br />

‘The surge in solo travel reflects a<br />

broader shift in how people approach<br />

their leisure time and personal growth,’<br />

said Samantha Pillay, director of First<br />

Loyalty Plus.<br />

‘In an increasingly connected world<br />

that allows little time for uninterrupted<br />

relaxation, escaping from it all on your<br />

own allows you to disconnect and recharge.<br />

For many, going it alone isn’t a<br />

compromise, it’s a preferred choice that<br />

aligns with their lifestyle and aspirations,’<br />

she added.<br />

Five great benefits to travelling<br />

solo:<br />

1. No compromising: Holidaying<br />

alone is incredibly liberating, enabling<br />

you to do what you want to<br />

do when you want to do it.<br />

You don’t have to compromise on<br />

your destination, itinerary or activities,<br />

and there’s no debating about<br />

where to go next or how much time<br />

to spend there.<br />

Fancy spending hours in an art<br />

gallery or veering off to explore a<br />

quaint street? You call the shots and<br />

can focus on what you enjoy.<br />

2. Guilt-free time out: Relaxation<br />

and time away from a demanding<br />

daily routine to simply unwind and<br />

rejuvenate is essential.<br />

Solo holidays mean there’s less pressure<br />

to be on the go all the time. If<br />

you want to rest and spend the day<br />

at the pool or the beach, there’s nobody<br />

else to consider or to persuade<br />

you otherwise.<br />

3. See more for less: Blowing your<br />

budget on activities that don’t float<br />

your boat will frustrate you. Spending<br />

money only on what you truly<br />

want to see and do, rather than tagging<br />

along with others, will result in<br />

you being able to experience more<br />

by avoiding wasteful expenditure.<br />

If fancy restaurants aren’t your thing,<br />

but a picnic in a beautiful park is,<br />

then do that. Tick items off your own<br />

wander list!<br />

4. Personal growth: Solo travel is a<br />

life-changing experience that helps<br />

you discover who you truly are. By<br />

stepping out of your comfort zone,<br />

you gain a rare opportunity for<br />

self-reflection and become more<br />

accustomed to doing things on<br />

your own.<br />

When plans go awry, handling challenges<br />

independently also enhances<br />

your problem-solving skills, resilience<br />

and self-confidence.<br />

5. Make new friends: One of the best<br />

things about travelling solo is how<br />

easy it can be to make new friends.<br />

Solo travellers often join group tours<br />

or local events and being on your<br />

own makes it easier to bond over a<br />

shared experience. You’ll find yourself<br />

meeting new people and forging<br />

meaningful connections that<br />

might have been missed otherwise.<br />

Text: FIRST GROUP. Photos: PEXELS<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 31<br />

GIS1004_030_17225461.indd 31 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:45:46


Thanda Safari<br />

Luxury safaris. Big Five.<br />

Brilliant birding.<br />

With the added attraction<br />

of supporting a lodge<br />

with exceptional<br />

conservation practices.<br />

32 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

Out in the middle of nowhere, where there’s nothing as<br />

far as the eye can see bar bushes, trees, gently rolling<br />

hills and watering holes ... this is where you’ll find<br />

Thanda Safari. A private game reserve in the northern<br />

reaches of Zululand, where the Great Rift Valley meets<br />

the Lebombo Mountains, it’s home to an abundance<br />

of wildlife including Africa’s Big 5 and more than 400<br />

different bird species.<br />

It’s a destination which offers an authentic <strong>South</strong> African<br />

wildlife experience. There’s exceptional game-viewing<br />

all year, it’s a brilliant option for families, honeymooners,<br />

groups of friends, and perfect for those who are wanting<br />

something extra over and above the game drives ...<br />

think specialised bush walks, photographic safaris, and<br />

Zulu cultural tours in the rural community.<br />

The term room with a view is particularly apt here ...<br />

it’s been said that there are no bad rooms at Thanda –<br />

and we couldn’t agree more. Guests are offered a few<br />

options ... each as magnificent as the other.<br />

The Thanda Safari Lodge is a circular structure<br />

reminiscent of a traditional Zulu rondavel, with nine<br />

suites, each with a spacious lounge area, a plunge pool,<br />

a private boma and a game-viewing deck offering<br />

panoramic views of the surrounding game reserve.<br />

There’s also a spa, open for all Thanda guests, housed in<br />

the heart of the Lodge.<br />

Or, for those who want to go for the ultimate in bush<br />

opulence, there’s the splendid Villa iZulu – a stunning<br />

safari hide-away for families, groups, even wedding<br />

parties, wanting privacy with their luxury. With five<br />

gloriously appointed suites and its own heli-pad, this<br />

extravagantly-sized villa, which has fenced garden and<br />

lush green lawns, is available on an exclusive-use basis.<br />

A third, super luxurious hospitality option, is The Royal<br />

Thanda Club by Thanda Safari ... where you’ll find the<br />

exclusive-use Royal Residences. Enclosed within a high<br />

security, access-controlled, estate in the central part of<br />

the reserve, these massively spacious Royal Residences<br />

sleep between eight and ten guests.<br />

GIS1004_032_21091210.indd 32 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:46:39


Since opening Thanda Safari some 20 years ago, it has embraced various<br />

aspects of responsible and sustainable tourism practices. Everything the<br />

team does is centred around responsible environmental development<br />

and management.<br />

The many conservation programmes have included protection programmes<br />

for the endangered Cheetah and, most importantly, the endangered Black<br />

Rhino protection programme and Elephant Breeding programmes. Other<br />

conservation initiatives include ...<br />

The identification and tracking of elephants at Thanda Safari, and the tracking<br />

and monitoring of cheetah using telemetry equipment.<br />

The identification of hyena and leopard via the use of camera traps, as well as<br />

rhino monitoring - due to rampant poaching in <strong>South</strong> Africa it is imperative<br />

that a close watch be kept on Thanda’s rhinos.<br />

Bird Atlasing - a hotspot of birdlife diversity Thanda Safari, as a member of<br />

Birdlife <strong>South</strong> Africa and an acknowledged landowner within the Zululand<br />

Important Bird and Biodiversity area, keeps detailed records of all bird species<br />

using Bird Atlasing.<br />

Rehabilitation - Thanda Safari has been at the forefront of land rehabilitation<br />

in KwaZulu Natal, transforming overgrazed cattle farms into pristine game<br />

viewing land and re-introducing species that used to freely roam the area,<br />

including the Big Five.<br />

Vegetation monitoring - a thorough assessment is conducted annually as<br />

to the carrying capacity of the reserve, taking into account the rainfall, veld<br />

condition, grass cover and herbaceous biomass. Also habitat management -<br />

which includes a controlled burning programme, road maintenance, erosion<br />

control and alien plant control.<br />

Under the auspices of Thanda Foundation Trust, established to focus attention<br />

on the socio-economic needs of the three tribal communities surrounding<br />

affected by Thanda, there’s also a flagship Star for Life Educational programme<br />

that functions under its own NGO, the Inkanyiso and Masisambisane crèche<br />

projects, and Football for Life through the amateur football club, Thanda Lions,<br />

that uplifts local unemployed youth in sport and empowers young girls to<br />

play football.<br />

Thanda Safari has its own dedicated anti-poaching unit, wildlife team and<br />

rhino monitors and it is a founding member of Project Rhino KZN - an antipoaching<br />

collaboration with local conservation agencies and game reserves.<br />

Details: www.thanda.com<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong> Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein 33<br />

GIS1004_032_21091210.indd 33 20<strong>24</strong>/09/19 10:46:50


Spoil<br />

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Unbound. Radiant. Confident. The Lacoste woman is<br />

all three. In her world, every detail is intentional, and<br />

this includes the fragrance she selects. This month<br />

we’re celebrating the L.12.12 For Women range ...<br />

inspired by the iconic Lacoste polo shirt, and boasting,<br />

obviously, that crocodile! Three timeless classics,<br />

each with French finesse and within in the framework<br />

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an elegant, fruity floral fragrance - all green mandarin<br />

and mint, musk and rose, cedarwood and ambrox.<br />

Delicate but empowering ... like the woman who<br />

wears it! From R999. To stand in line to win our lovely<br />

<strong>Oct</strong>ober Spoil, pop over to @getitnationalmagazines<br />

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and follow the prompts.<br />

34 Get It Joburg <strong>South</strong> • Alberton • Bedfordview • Greenstone • Modderfontein <strong>Oct</strong>ober 20<strong>24</strong><br />

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